I had an interesting (?) week via the United States Postal Service last week. Oh, not the Postal Service's "fault", they were just the messenger. I had a couple of pieces of mail delivered to Roger. Now, that in itself is not that unusual. I still get credit card offers, etc. for him occasionally. These two, however, seemed a bit quirky. First, his official AARP card came in. I guess AARP keeps up with everyone's age, regardless of whether they actually reach that age or not. You would think that if they had information that accurate, something could be done to monitor a person's living status, as well. But the one that got my rather warped sense of humor going was from a book club that Roger used to belong to. The envelope was addressed to him, and in bold letters emblazoned across the front it said, "Roger Bennett, what can we do to get you to come back?" After a moment of shock, I had to smile, thinking of what Roger would say if he could have seen that. I came very close to writing them back, saying, "I don't know, but if you find out, would you please let me know???" Ah, just those random things that happen to let you know that life does indeed go on.........
I had a moment this morning, missing Roger very much. Those crop up when I least expect them. I suspect that this one has to do with an upcoming trip and project that I am undertaking. I leave Monday for 3 weeks, headed once again to N. Ireland and England to do a project that Roger and I had discussed, but never got around to making happen. I will be filming a new DVD in the Cornwall region of England. This one will be different from the others, in that it will strictly be Roger's music set to scenery, with scripture imposed over the scenery. There will be no talking to interrupt the flow.....it is just for relaxation. The first project will be very mellow, and if it goes well, I plan to follow it up with a more up-tempo project. So, please pray for me as I undertake this endeavor. I especially covet your prayers for my stamina as I travel (alone this time). I have been battling a really bad back since the end of February, and I thought it was getting better until last Wednesday, when I re-injured it (while bending to pick up an envelope, filling orders - I wish I had a better story!). Long story short, after a shot of cortizone in the back, and an entire weekend of bed rest, I can move again, but I am VERY cautious, and in some pain still. Fortunately, I had enough air miles built up from the volunteer work to upgrade my flight to 1st class, so the trip over won't be as taxing. The domestic portion is on a small plane, though, so not much can be done about the comfort level there. However, I know that God, Who has been with me in all of the planning stages, won't abandon me at the last hour, and so I feel confident that all will be well. I have quite a bit of time in N. Ireland with my dear friends to relax with a cup of tea, and I am REALLY looking forward to my visit there! I will be working May 3-10, and the remainder of the time is pretty much leisure.
Besides this project, I have a couple more in the works, so stay tuned as those develop. I must say how much I appreciate all of the support and love all of you, my dear friends, give me and my family. I am fully aware that, as time goes by, the demand for the limited amount of new product that I can produce about Roger will wane. However, I am constantly overwhelmed by the requests that keep coming, and the wonderful cards, letters, and emails that tell of the impact he made in his too-short life here. We are all blessed to have had him as part of our lives.
We miss him, but he will always be with us. He taught us the value of being
In His Grip!
Debbie
